This $8,500 EV in China secured nearly 57,000 orders

This ,500 EV in China secured nearly 57,000 orders

BYD’s top-selling Seagull EV has a new rival after Chery Automotive’s new QQ3 secured close to 57,000 orders. Chery launched the new EV in China, starting at about $8,500.

Chery launches the new QQ3 EV as orders near 57,000

Another electric vehicle is now on sale in China, with prices starting under $10,000. The new Chery QQ3 EV is available in China in four versions, starting from a limited-time price of just 58,900 yuan ($8,500).

After opening pre-orders earlier this month at 68,920 yuan ($10,000), Chery announced that the new low-cost EV had secured 56,879 orders within a month.

Buyers can choose from two battery packs: 29.48 kWh or 41.28 kWh, providing up to 310 km (192 miles) and 420 km (260 miles) of CLTC driving range.

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To recharge the battery from 30% to 80%, Chery said it will take less than 16.5 minutes. The low-cost EV is available exclusively as a rear-wheel-drive model with two power outputs: 55 kW (77 hp) and 90 Nm of torque or 90 kW (120 hp) and 115 Nm of torque.

The 420 km (260-mile) range version is priced from 68,900 yuan ($10,000), while the top “420 Shared” version starts at 78,900 yuan ($11,500).

Measuring 4,195 mm in length, 1,811 mm in width, and 1,573 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm, the Chery QQ3 EV is slightly bigger than the BYD Seagull (sold as the Dolphin Surf and Dolphin Mini overseas).

The interior features Chery’s Lingxi Smart Cabin tech, including an 8.8″ driver information screen and a 12.8″ infotainment screen. Higher-priced trims gain a 15.6″ 2.5K central touchscreen. Powered by a Qualcomm 8155 cockpit chip, the system supports +30 WeChat mini-programs, enabling drivers to sing karaoke, play games, and more.